New $445 Monthly Canada Family Benefit Announced – Eligibility, Payments and How to Claim

Canadian families with children under 18 are set to receive vital financial help through the Canada Family Benefit (CFB) — a new federal program designed to provide $445 per month to eligible households.

As the cost of living continues to rise, this benefit aims to support parents struggling with expenses such as groceries, childcare, housing, and clothing. While there has been no official update about increasing the payment beyond $445 as of September 2025, the launch of the CFB represents a major step forward in helping families achieve greater financial stability.

Overview of the Canada Family Benefit

The Canada Family Benefit expands upon the success of the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) but offers consistent, tax-free monthly support to families raising dependent children under 18. Instead of receiving annual rebates, parents will have a steady monthly payment that helps them manage budgets more effectively.

Here’s a quick overview of the program:

Category	Details
Department	Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
Program Name	Canada Family Benefit (CFB)
Monthly Amount	$445 per child
Eligibility	Families with children under 18
Payment Mode	Direct Deposit
Tax Status	Non-taxable
Official Website	canada.ca

This structured approach gives parents a predictable source of income to help offset rising everyday costs.

Why the Benefit Matters

The timing of the Canada Family Benefit could not be more crucial. With inflation affecting everything from rent to groceries, families across Canada are under growing financial pressure. The $445 monthly benefit aims to fill that gap, helping parents provide for their children without cutting corners on essentials.

Beyond individual household relief, the CFB also supports Canada’s broader poverty reduction goals. The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) helped lift over 435,000 children out of poverty between 2015 and 2019 — and the new CFB is expected to build on that success by offering even more consistent financial assistance.

How Much Families Will Receive

Under the CFB, eligible families can receive $445 per month per child, which equals $5,340 per year for each eligible child.

Here’s a breakdown by family size:

Children	Monthly Total	Annual Total
1 child	$445	$5,340
2 children	$890	$10,680
3 children	$1,335	$16,020

This regular support can make a real difference — covering school supplies, after-school activities, nutritious meals, or winter clothing.

Eligibility Criteria for the $445 Canada Family Benefit

To receive the CFB, families must meet specific requirements set by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). The criteria are clear and simple:

1. Residency Requirement

• You must live in Canada and have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN) for yourself and your children.

2. Age of Children

• You must have at least one dependent child under 18 years old.

3. Tax Filing

• Parents or guardians must file their 2024 Income Tax Return (T1) by April 30, 2025 — even if they have no income. The CRA uses tax data to calculate benefit eligibility and payment amounts.

4. Income Thresholds

• Families with lower adjusted net income will receive the full $445 monthly amount, while those in higher income brackets may receive a reduced payment based on a sliding scale, similar to the CCB.

This ensures that the families most in need receive maximum support.

How to Apply for the Canada Family Benefit

The process to claim the CFB is straightforward — especially for those already receiving the Canada Child Benefit.

1. For Families Already Receiving the CCB

If you currently receive the Canada Child Benefit, you don’t need to apply separately. Your information is already on file with the CRA, and CFB payments will start automatically when the program launches.

2. For New Applicants

If you’re not yet enrolled in the CCB system, follow these steps:

• File your 2024 taxes before the April 30, 2025, deadline.
• Register for CRA My Account at canada.ca.
• Complete and submit Form RC66 (Canada Child Benefit Application) online or by mail.
• Update your family information (new children, custody changes, address, marital status).
• Set up Direct Deposit to receive payments faster and more securely.

Completing these steps ensures you don’t face any delay when payments begin.

Payment Method and Frequency

All CFB payments will be distributed monthly through direct deposit. Families without bank accounts can request cheque delivery or prepaid cards, but direct deposit is strongly recommended for faster and safer transfers.

Payments are expected to start soon after the official launch in mid-2025. The CRA will release specific payment dates closer to that time.

What Makes the Canada Family Benefit Different

While the Canada Child Benefit already supports millions of families, the new CFB focuses on providing steady, predictable income support rather than variable amounts.

Key differences include:

• Regular Monthly Payments: Reliable income every month instead of waiting for adjustments.
• Simplified Eligibility: Easier qualification based on existing CCB data.
• Enhanced Support for Inflation: Designed to address rising living costs directly.

This stability allows families to plan budgets and avoid financial shortfalls between tax seasons.

Significance of the $445 Monthly Payment

For many families, $445 a month can mean the difference between struggling and staying afloat.

It can help parents:

• Pay for healthy food and school meals.
• Cover daycare or after-school program costs.
• Purchase clothing, books, and educational supplies.
• Manage rent and utility bills more comfortably.

Even modest financial stability can reduce stress, improve child well-being, and strengthen communities nationwide.

Future Updates and Adjustments

As of September 2025, the government has not announced any increase to the $445 monthly payment. However, federal officials have indicated that the program will be reviewed periodically to ensure it keeps pace with inflation and family needs.

Families should stay alert for updates through CRA’s official channels and the canada.ca website.

How Families Can Prepare Now

To avoid delays and ensure smooth payments once the program begins:

1. File your 2024 tax return on time.
2. Update your family details (childbirths, custody changes, address).
3. Register for CRA My Account for real-time updates.
4. Set up Direct Deposit to receive funds automatically.

Preparing early ensures that your payments start as soon as the program goes live.

Long-Term Impact of the Canada Family Benefit

Beyond immediate relief, the CFB reinforces Canada’s commitment to reducing child poverty and supporting economic equality. Direct payments help parents focus on raising healthy, well-educated children instead of worrying about daily expenses.

By putting more money directly into the hands of families, the government is strengthening both household financial security and local economies across the country.

(5) FAQs

1. What is the $445 Canada Family Benefit?
It’s a new federal support program offering $445 per month per child to Canadian families with children under 18.

2. Who qualifies for the CFB?
Families who live in Canada, have valid SINs, and file taxes for 2024 are eligible. Payments are based on income, with low-income families receiving the full amount.

3. How do I apply for the benefit?
If you already receive the Canada Child Benefit, you’ll be enrolled automatically. New applicants can apply through CRA My Account or by mailing Form RC66.

4. When will payments start?
Payments are expected to begin in mid-2025, with exact dates to be announced by the CRA.

5. Is the benefit taxable?
No. The $445 monthly payment is tax-free and will not affect other government benefits or tax credits.